India need to stay switched on right from the onset in terms of all three facets of the game in this Women’s World Cup, former captain Anjum Chopra emphasised.

Captain Mithali Raj and her teammates begin their Cup campaign versus Pakistan in Mount Maunganui in New Zealand on Sunday.

“From the first match itself, India need to be switched on completely when it comes to all three aspects of the game: batting, bowling and fielding. To say that India could be having a free passage against any team would be wrong as all the matches are going to be competitive.

“They have to put runs on the board, which will matter,” Anjum, who is in New Zealand for commentary, told The Telegraph on Saturday.

Senior pro Harmanpreet Kaur regaining a bit of form in her last two innings should help her regain confidence while also auguring well for the team. But her position in the batting order is one topic of discussion.

Against New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI, Harmanpreet batted at No.4 and hit a brisk 63. Thereafter, in a World Cup warm-up game versus South Africa, she scored 104 but came out to bat at No.5. It would serve the team well if Harmanpreet bats either at No.3 or 4, Anjum stated.

“If she is not comfortable at No.3, then she definitely should come in at 4,” Anjum feels. “I have always felt Harman should be a regular No.4 for India.

“She has been going up and down the order for whatever reasons, be it due to her own form or as per requirements of the team. Now if she can make that position a consistent one for herself and plan and play according to the situation, it will help the team a lot.”

“Nonetheless, it’s good that she got a few runs against New Zealand in the final ODI and then in the warm-up game. It’s an encouraging sign for any batter to score runs in the middle as that adds to the confidence level,” Anjum added.

Seamer Pooja Vastrakar’s all-round skills too could be crucial for India, Anjum pointed out. “Alongside Jhulan (Goswami) and between Meghna Singh or Renuka Singh, if the Indian team management can manage to squeeze in Pooja Vastrakar, it will provide the side with an extra bit of cushion as she’s quick, bowls seam-up deliveries, can bat and is a very good fielder.”

On Saturday, the second day of the tournament, Australia beat England and South Africa defeated Bangladesh.

l Match starts: 6.30am (IST). Live on Star Sports Network